Author Topic: 375win Encore (Read 607 times)

Myk · « **on:** November 11, 2003, 08:48:26 PM »

I am thinking of this in an Encore for IL pistol deer hunting. The questions I have are,

What kind of accuracy can I expect?
Will this round have high odds of dropping a deer where it's shot?
What kind of yardage for deer? (about 150 would be pushing what I can see, but humor me)
Can I use Hornady 225gr SP or will I have to stick with 220gr FP or other bullets made for the 375win rifles (will the 225's expand properly)?
Any other bullets that you recommend?
How bad will this round be on scopes?

Any other calibers you can suggest? The rules are 30 caliber or larger straight walled case, or bottle necked cases 30 or larger no longer than 1.4". 500 ft/lbs at muzzle and no un-manufacturer supported wildcats (need manufacturer ballistics tables to support the 500 ft/lb).

I am after at least MOA accuracy. Ability to knock a deer down in it's tracks. Ability of the cartridge to take a 200yd shot at a deer without questioning if it's enough or if it will hit where aimed.

There is also a single shot or revolver limit, no semi-auto, no bolt action. I'd consider a revolver but it would have to have a strong reputation as being very accurate.

I'm not too thrilled with the ballistics of a 30Bellm or a 300Whisper, if those are your recommendations wow me with some stories of accuracy and knockdown. The recoil of a 444 out of a pistol doesn't thrill me either.

Thanks for any input.

ssmith_1187 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 12, 2003, 02:01:16 AM »

Myk

"I'd consider a revolver but it would have to have a strong reputation as being very accurate."

I am planning on taking out my Ruger Super Redhawk in .44 Mag out on the 21st.....also in Illinois.

I have topped it with a Leupold 2X EER scope and would feel comfortable taking shots out to 100 yards with it. However, if everything works according to plan, my shots should be within 47 yards :wink:

It is reasonably priced, built like a tank and I can put 6 shots within 2 inches at 50 yards consistently.

I know the gun is more accurate than I am, so if I do my part, I know my Ruger will do its.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Steve

Bullseye · « **Reply #2 on:** November 12, 2003, 11:58:15 AM »

I have a 375 Win Contender. Do not know if it will drop a deer in its tracks or not since I have not shot a deer with it and that variable is my least concern. You do need to use the 220 gr FP, Hornady says that the 225 sp's will not expand at this velocity. Mine might shoot sub MOA, I know it will shoot 1 1/2" groups at 100 yards. I never rest the back of the gun when shooting so 1 1/2 is good enough for me. It is a good caliber. Easy to shoot and load and from other posts I have read it has plenty of power for deer.

Myk · « **Reply #3 on:** November 12, 2003, 06:22:21 PM »

1.5MOA is still better than what a shotgun will do. That's my main goal, to get something that shoots better than a slug and is easier to reload than a muzzleloader.

kciH · « **Reply #4 on:** November 12, 2003, 08:40:28 PM »

The .375 Winchester, like the .357 Maximum, will take deer reliably out to 200 yards with good shot placement. MOA accuracy should be no big deal with a TC with some load development, but it is far more than you need for 200 yard shooting. I don't know that the Max is a factory round any longer, so that may a problem for you. The Max, if you can find a factory loading, is a great round for deer with a much wider variety of bullets that are suitable for your intended purpose. When ranges get out to 200 yards, the pointed Hornady 180gr SSP bullet shoots a bit flatter FN's and is designed for your velocity levels. I'm not going against the .375, but the Max is a softer shooting round in the Contender, and is much more versatile as far as bullet availability.

There is no round, other than a howitzer, that gaurantees the animal will drop on the spot. If you can shoot a deer in the spine every time, it will drop on the spot. A 340 Weatherby driving a 210gr X-bullet at 3250fps will not gaurantee the animal doesn't take another step

Myk · « **Reply #5 on:** November 16, 2003, 05:21:33 AM »

Thanks. I don't think it needs to be a factory load, there just has to be factory ballistics to make the 500ft/lb claim. So if there isn't a factory Max load that definitely would be a problem, if I should ever get checked. Loadings from the past may stand up in court though.

I know no round will guarantee a deer will drop on the spot, and I understand at the lowered pistol velocities it becomes even less likely. But some rounds do have better potential for that happening, whether they do it through velocity, amount of shock damage or the size of the hole.
The .375win seems to be a compromise of all those, with fair velocity (for what it is) and a fair sized hole (assuming expansion), and assuming expansion, shock damage.

How's the recoil on a howitzer?